A proposed bar at Rural Oaks Plaza will not install video gambling machines as originally planned.

Nick Fosberg and Derrick Kunz, who want to open Rural on Tap at 1710 Rural St., announced the change of plans to approximately 150 people gathered at P.A. Peterson Center of Health for a neighborhood meeting about the proposed bar.

Fosberg and Kunz said their seven-year lease for the property prohibits slot machines and video gambling.

Rural on Tap, which owners say would be an upscale establishment that caters to craft beer lovers and wine drinkers, has been met with resistance from some neighbors who say its a bad fit for the residential area.

KEVIN HAAS/RRSTAR.COM

Residents packed into P.A. Peterson Center for Health on Thursday to discuss a proposed bar inside the Rural Oaks Plaza.

Today's neighborhood meeting had a mix of people both in favor and against the potential establishment, who were allowed to take a microphone and voice their opinion. Some said it would add character and culture to the neighborhood and invigorate a previously vacant portion of the strip mall. Others said the bar would invite trouble to the residential area and raised issue with the added traffic and noise from patrons who can stay as late as 1 a.m.

It was difficult to determine which side had bigger numbers, but proponents were the more vocal group, cheering and applauding their fellow supporters' comments. Applause wasn't as enthusiastic when opponents took the mic.

The meeting was organized by Ald. Tom McNamara to gather feedback from residents before the City Council has to decide whether to OK the establishment.

The city's Liquor and Tobacco Advisory Board meets at 6 p.m. Jan. 22 at City Hall, 425 East State St., to discuss the project.